Invisible String

Prologue

COVENTRY, ENGLAND, 1842 AD

The smell of iron rips through the dense, foggy atmosphere. It's rich, earthy scent blows violently and envelops the blonde girl into a whirlwind of need and desire. The all too familiar feeling of large teeth protruding and large veins popping out from under her eyes is overwhelming. Her vision blurs and she is soon running too fast for the mind to comprehend; absentmindedly following the aroma carefully and welcoming the loss of control pulsating as she rushes through the moonlit forest.

Once the scent intoxicates her, she is greeted by a petite woman wearing a large, torn gown and crawling desperately against the harsh woodland terrain, screaming and clutching her bloodied neck. The velvety red liquid seeps through her fingers, staining the lacy fabric of her dress and pouring onto the ground, before being dragged along the floor by her straining body. 

''Please, please don't hurt me, I'm... I'm begging you... please.'' she manages to choke out between wild sobs and soft grunts of agony. Her muscles spasm relentlessly, and it is easy to tell that she will not last much longer before bleeding out to death. The hunger ricochets like a bullet, and in a brisk movement the vampires arms are supporting the woman's lifeless body as her teeth sink desperately into her neck, draining the remaining crimson liquid from her jugular.

''Astrid.'' 

The sound of her name instantly snaps Astrid from her euphoric trance; glancing up she is greeted with the sight of her brother. Elijah. The expression he wears is a whirlwind of worry and pain. An expression Astrid knows wields only one meaning.

''You can't be here Astrid, he's here, and he will kill you.''

Branches crack and leaves rustle, before she is slammed and pinned to the ground by Niklaus' strength. His eyes are dark, burning through her in an intense rage, the corner of his lip still coated in drips of red blood.

''Nik... Please'' She chokes out, struggling against his grasp.

''No sister, you deserve this, you betrayed us.'' He replies. Her eyes shift to Elijah wearing a solemn expression, clearly knowing what comes next. Doomed to meet the fate of the rest of our family. Eternal slumber as revenge for betraying Nik. For betraying their family all those years ago. She was a fool for thinking she could run. Nobody ever outruns Niklaus.

The sharp sting of the dagger pierces Astrid's chest, looking deeply into his eyes, seeing the tears gathering there and the remorse written across his face. Remorse she did not deserve. Her vision dulls, her muscles relax and she is pulled into a deep sleep.

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